Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-08-23
Labor in Political Movements.

Labor in Political Movements.
Special attention has been of late drawn
to the labor vote of the country. The
United Labor Convention, under the
management of Henry George, at SYRIA
cuse, last week, has been the most
important Cause. From the events that
transpired there may be gained some idea
of the probable result OF the movement in
that State. There are in that State three
d met factions, the Union, the United and
Socialist labor parties. Each has or
will have, its separate nominees and plat
forms, the latter differing sufficiently to
produce conflict between the parties,
thus distributing the labor vote and pre-.
venting any appreciable success. The
faction over which Henry George lords
t,possesses the greatest strength and will
during the campaign, make itself felt by
the democratic party, from which it will
draw many votes. 1t is very pro bable
that the experience gained will prompt
the uniting of the factions before the next
presidential campaign. In Massachusetts
there is more harmony in thought and
feeling among the labor voters on political
matters. Indeed, the question has been
raised, whether or not it is ex-
pedient to effect separate organi-
cation. The tendencies and inclina-
lions are vastly different from
those of the laborers of New York. The
Powderly element is much stronger and
the ideas held are rather those which
emanate from that gentleman. The two
great parties will probably hold the labor
votes unless distinct party attempt is
made and then they will hold the majority
of them. The movements in New Jersey
will be very similar to those of New York,
only on a smaller scale. In Ohio there
will be greater harmony among the labor
voters and the vote will be much larger
than has been estimated. The ideas
and tendencies of the laborers are more
like those of Missachuset laoorers and
their action will be very similar. Ken
lucky has already demonstrated her labor
vote to be small and of not much influence
upon the political condition of the State.
Virginia and Maryland will show about
the same exhibit. Iowa has not yet been
reported sufficiently to enable any estimate
or prediction. Pennsylvania will have
probably separate ticket but as yet
nothing of importance has been done.
There is in the present state of things
no united action by the labor parties of
these States which are to have elections
this year. Each movement is entirely
separate from the other yet apparently
made for the same purpose. There is
therefore not labor party but labor
parties. which to accomplish anything must
harmonic and decide upon some basis
for united action. At this time, this is
impossible and unless there is a consider
able amount of concession on all sides,
there is doubt of its being done in season
for action in the presidential campaign
The results of the elections in these States
will in measure determine future plans.
The outlook however tor anything that may
be called labor success in politics tor sever
al years is not very flattering. 1t is far
more probabl e that after attempts at sep
arate and distinct action, the labor party
if one is formed, will be submerged in a
greater movement founded upon Amer-
can ideas and principles, which is already
renorted i'm processes of formation